HC Deb 11 May 1916 vol 82 cc918-9
93. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office on what rule or principle no pension or allowance of any sort is made to Michael M'Brearty, of Stranorlar, a man of no property or fixed income, whose eldest son, Private Frank M'Brearty, first of the Inniskilling Fusiliers, subsequently No. 5,345, 10th Division, 30th Infantry Brigade, Munster Fusiliers, who served at the Dardanelles and fell fighting the Bulgarians in Serbia on 7th December, 1915, who was then twenty years of age and who was the principal support of his father and nine younger children, their mother being dead; to what allowance does that sacrifice entitle this family; when will it be paid; and will it date from the soldier's death?

Mr FORSTER

This claim was the subject of an appeal to the Committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for North St. Pancras, and there was some delay in consequence; but a separation allowance of 7s. 4d. a week has now been granted, with arrears as from September last. The allowance at this rate will continue for 26 weeks from the date on which the soldier's death was notified to the payee. In the meantime the claim to pension or gratuity on the cessation of separation allowance will be considered.

80 and 81. Mr. P. MEEHAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) why a pension has not been granted to Private Patrick Cunningham, No. 1618, 4th Battalion Leinster Regiment, who was discharged on the 24th April, 1916, after having contracted tuberculosis brought on by exposure and inadequate camp arrangements; and (2) if a pension will be granted to Private William Ryan, No. 2,435, 4th Battalion Leinster Regiment, who was discharged on the 13th July, 1915, having contracted rheumatism from having been compelled to sleep in camp on the bare ground in the months of October, November, and December, 1914?

Mr. FORSTER

Both these cases are being considered by the Chelsea Commissioners, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

95. Mr. W. THORNE

asked why persons in receipt of the 3s. 6d. per week extra London separation allowance are not entitled to receive the same if they leave the London area temporarily and subsequently return to London?

Mr. FORSTER

This allowance is given to meet the extra expense of regular residence in the London area. It is resumed on return to London after temporary absence, if the home in London was maintained during such absence.